5 students arrested after bringing stolen gun to North Meck HS campus, police say

This browser does not support the video element.

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Five students are facing criminal charges after police said they brought a stolen gun to North Mecklenburg High School's campus Monday and ran from officials.

Police said a school resource officer noticed five students riding through the parking lot of North Mecklenburg High School in the middle of the school day.

[ALSO READ: 2 students charged in separate weapon-related incidents at Myers Park HS]

According to officials, when the officer approached them, the students drove off, crashed into a locked gate and took off running.

However police said, the car, which was still in drive, kept going before eventually crashing into a tree at an Audi dealership across the street.

After searching the car, police said they found a stolen gun.

[ALSO READ: CMS student claims district's security plan isn't working days after gun found on campus]

Police said the teens were all Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students, but they were not North Mecklenburg High School students, according to a note sent to parents from CMS officials.

All five students are facing several charges, including possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm by a minor.

It's unclear what school the teens attend or why they were on North Meck's campus.

Below is the note sent to families:

Good evening North Mecklenburg High families this is principal Dillinger with an important message regarding a story that you may see on local news. Our school resource officer noticed a car trespassing on our campus. When the officer approached the car, the vehicle quickly left. This is part of an active police investigation as the car and occupants were involved in other criminal activity after leaving our campus.  None of our student from North Mecklenburg High were involved. This activity did not interrupt our instructional day, all students and staff remained safe. Thanks for support North Meck.